National Football League

Report: Two shot for cheering on 49ers

Published Jan. 15, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

A Georgia man allegedly shot at two football fans in a restaurant parking lot — critically injuring one — because he took offense to their cheering for the San Francisco 49ers as they faced off against the New Orleans Saints.

Donald Ray Ayro, 31, was being held without bond Sunday after the incident, according to a police press release.

Corey Adams, 30, told WSB-TV that he and friend Chris Middleton, also 30, were confronted by Ayro inside an Applebee's restaurant in Duluth, Ga., as they celebrated a 49ers touchdown in the playoff game.

"The only thing me and my buddy said was, we were excited that the 49ers scored," Adams said. "It was only one touchdown."

According to Adams, the Saints fan then left but told the men he would return.

About 90 minutes later, Ayro allegedly fired gunshots at Adams and Middleton in the restaurant's parking lot.

"I took off running and he started shooting at me and shot like four or five times and he grazed the back of my head," Adams told WSB.

Middleton was shot in the chest. He was taken to nearby Gwinnett Medical Center in critical condition.

Police found Ayro through Adams' description of him and his vehicle. He was arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, police said.

The 49ers beat the Saints 36-32 Saturday.